Akkoljenza
The Akkoljenza (hospitality) ministry is a recent initiative within the Maltese Capuchin Province. Since 2016, the friary in Kalkara has been chosen to welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds for an engaging experience in Capuchin life. The initiative aims at offering participants a shared space for spiritual growth. A small group of participants, around eight in number, join the fraternity for a weekend where they live with the brothers.
The aim is to offer participants a chance to immerse themselves in the life of the friary for a few days, which is rich with Franciscan values: notably, prayer, fraternity, and simplicity. During this experience, participants have the opportunity to take a moment from the rush of daily life to pause and to breathe, in order to better reflect on their own lives. The peaceful environment of the friary provides an ideal setting for introspection and spiritual renewal. Participants engage fully in the friary’s program, which includes prayer, meals, recreation, along with daily chores. Additionally, two formation meetings are usually offered to further aid their reflection and sharing moments among themselves.
Other forms of Akkoljenza include: an accompanied day or weekend retreat for individuals seeking solitude; a shared moment of prayer with the friars; and also, the welcoming of school students for a morning at the friary. These varied formats ensure that there is something to suit everyone’s needs, whether one is seeking deep reflection or a simple pause from everyday life.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to follow the Kalkara social media channels for announcements about upcoming weekend experiences. Once a notice is posted, individuals are requested to contact the guardian of Kalkara on the given email and/or phone number. The friary also welcomes inquiries and visits for those who wish to learn more before committing to a weekend. These weekends are open to lay persons aged 18 and over, as well as religious from other Orders.
Kliem il-Ħajja
The life of St. Francis was profoundly grounded in the Word of God, as evidenced by his frequent quoting of the Gospels in both his conversations and his writings. Inspired by this foundational principle, the Capuchin community in Malta continues to honour this heritage by offering daily reflections on Scripture to enrich the spiritual journey of the faithful. Through the quarterly publication Kliem il-Ħajja (Word of Life), approximately 14,000 households across the Maltese archipelago receive a resource that illuminates the Gospel reading of the day. Each entry includes a brief reflection and a concise prayer, helping individuals draw closer to God through meditative engagement with the Word.
This initiative ensures that the Gospel, while proclaimed during liturgy, extends into the personal and communal lives of believers. The reflections are thoughtfully crafted by a diverse group of contributors, whose varied experiences and perspectives add depth and richness to the meditations. Through this diversity, Kliem il-Ħajja invites readers to embark on a journey of lectio divina, a contemplative practice of reading, reflecting, and praying with the Scriptures. In doing so, the Capuchins seek to fulfil their mission of spreading the joy and wisdom of the Gospel beyond the church walls and into the hearts of the community.
Mission Secretariat
Over the years, several Capuchin brothers have ventured beyond Malta’s shores to serve those in need in various countries, including India, Cuba, Kenya, and currently, one Maltese missionary friar is serving in Zambia. Despite the reduction in the number of Maltese Capuchin missionaries today, the Maltese Province remains active in its missionary work. Through the Mission Secretariat, the secretary for Missions, with the help of dedicated lay people, work tirelessly to offer support to communities in the developing world, particularly in Kenya.
The Mission Secretariat coordinates projects on two main levels: raising awareness and collecting donations. These efforts are crucial in supporting the building and maintenance of schools, healthcare initiatives, and, occasionally, providing disaster relief. The work of the Missions Office embodies the Capuchin spirit of fraternity and solidarity with the least of our brothers and sisters. Through these efforts, they continue to proclaim the Gospel in action, offering a message of hope and love to all they encounter.
The Mission Secretariat also produces the magazine Dawl Franġiskan (Franciscan Light), which plays a crucial role in supporting the Capuchin missions. The magazine serves not only as a spiritual and educational resource but also as a means of raising awareness and generating financial support for the missions. It covers a wide range of topics, including Franciscan spirituality, education, youth issues, and news from the mission fields. Through its content, Dawl Franġiskan fosters a deeper connection between the readers and the missionary work of the Capuchins, offering insights into the lives of missionaries, the impact of their work, and the ongoing needs of the communities they serve.
One, more recent addition to the Mission Secretariat is the missionary group, Karibu (‘welcome’ in Kiswahili), whose aim is to foster solidarity and support for missionary initiatives. Presently, Karibu comprises approximately 52 members and operates under the guidance of a five-member committee. To fund its projects, Karibu organizes various initiatives throughout the year, including fundraising activities such as the sale of traditional Easter figolli, seasonal baked goods, and a popular Pasta Night. Additionally, it receives donations from individuals and companies to further help enhance education in developing regions. A hallmark of Karibu‘s efforts is its annual visit to Kenya, which fosters a tangible connection with the communities it supports. These visits are characterized by variable participation numbers, ranging from four to 25 attendees. Through these dynamic efforts, Karibu not only provides essential resources but also embodies the spirit of fraternity and missionary service upheld by the Franciscan Capuchins.
Secular Franciscan Order
The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) was founded by St. Francis of Assisi and canonically established in 1221 by Pope Honorius III. Its origins lie in the desire of laypeople during St. Francis’s time to share in his vision of living the Gospel. Instead of leaving their families and worldly commitments, St. Francis encouraged them to embrace a life of simplicity, penance, and Gospel values within their daily lives, creating a Rule of life tailored for them. Known initially as the “Brothers and Sisters of Penance” they then came to be referred to as, members of the Third Order of St. Francis. Today, they are called Secular Franciscans, identified by the initials “OFS.”
In Malta, in the year 2000, the “Third Order” of the three Franciscan families was unified to form a single entity known as the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS). This reorganization included the establishment of a National Council, which comprises Provincial Assistants from the Conventual Franciscans, the Franciscan Friars Minor, and the Franciscan Capuchins. This unification reflects the shared spiritual and fraternal mission of the Franciscan heritage, fostering deeper collaboration among its members within the Maltese Province.
At present, there are seven active OFS fraternities, each guided by a friar serving as a Spiritual Assistant. However, some fraternities face particular challenges that require special attention. The overall state of the fraternities is precarious, as the majority of members are elderly. This situation underscores the need for ongoing support and renewal to sustain the vitality of the Secular Franciscan Order in the Maltese Province.
Padre Pio Prayer Groups
The Padre Pio Prayer Groups are a spiritual movement inspired by Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, rooted in deep faith, prayer, and service. Established officially in 1947 and introduced to Malta in 1973, these groups follow Padre Pio’s call to prayer, hope, and trust in God. Each group meets monthly for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and spiritual formation, fostering a strong sense of community and devotion. Members are encouraged to deepen their faith through meditation, the Rosary, and reflection on the saint’s teachings. In addition to their monthly meetings, groups may also organize other spiritual activities, such as formation sessions and evangelization initiatives, to further enrich their members’ faith journey.
Under the guidance of the National Director, a Maltese capuchin brother, the groups organize annual retreats during Advent and Lent, aligning with the Church’s liturgical themes. Special celebrations are held on May 25 and September 23 to honour Padre Pio’s life and mission, marked by solemn Masses led by bishops or the Provincial and broadcast for wider participation. These groups also provide pastoral support, particularly to the sick, by offering prayers and spiritual assistance. The relic of Padre Pio’s glove serves as a source of comfort and healing for those in need, and many individuals, including young people, reach out for prayers, sometimes testifying to experiences of grace and healing.
Each prayer group is led by a committed team, including a director, president, secretary, treasurer, and other members who ensure the smooth running of the ministry. Regular formation meetings are held for group leaders to strengthen their understanding of Padre Pio’s spirituality and the mission of the movement. Groups also come together four times a year for shared gatherings, reinforcing their unity and spiritual growth. The presence of a priest is essential in the monthly meetings, ensuring that the Eucharist, homilies, and other liturgical devotions remain central to the group’s identity.
The mission of these groups extends beyond personal prayer, fostering a deeper love for Jesus and the Blessed Mother. Through their dedication, members strive to live according to the values Padre Pio upheld—love for the Crucified Christ, intercessory prayer for the Church, peace in the world, and spiritual guidance for those in need.